January 16, 2019
As January arrives, it is often accompanied by a renewed determination to make the upcoming year better than the last, particularly in the areas of health and wellness. Common resolutions typically include losing weight, eating healthier, and exercising more—goals that can certainly improve both appearance and overall well-being. However, we suggest taking a more targeted approach when setting health resolutions. Given that heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, it’s crucial to place extra focus on heart health. Here are four ways to get started:
A quick and easy way to keep tabs on your heart health is to understand the numbers that really matter. By visiting your doctor for a checkup, you can determine if your numbers are within a healthy range. The most important heart health numbers to understand include:
CIS is an award winner in managing blood pressure and cholesterol with its patients. Visit your CIS cardiologist to get an updated reading on your bloodwork.
It doesn’t take hours of sweating in a gym to reap the benefits of cardiovascular exercise. In fact, just 20-30 minutes a day of moderate activity can help significantly in keeping your heart strong and healthy. For those who are willing to push a little harder, 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise is all it takes to reap the same rewards.
While some studies may point to benefits of some alcohol such as red wine, we do know is that drinking excessively can lead to some serious heart health complications over time. No matter the type of alcohol, complications of drinking involve raising fat levels in the blood, increasing blood pressure, contributing to the development of diabetes and, in extreme cases of binge drinking, arrythmia or stroke. By simply drinking in moderation, such problems can be avoided. For men, this means no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day and no more than one drink per day for women.
This may be the most difficult goal to reach on this list, but it is also the most important. The ill health effects of smoking are seemingly limitless, and the consequences for the heart are often severe. Cigarette smoke damages the body’s blood vessels, contributing to plaque buildup, stroke, heart attack, and peripheral artery disease. Fortunately, quitting can help reverse much of this damage. In fact, within 24 hours of their last cigarette, a smoker’s risk for heart attack begins to drop.
Of course, we understand that giving up smoking is far from a simple feat. That’s why Cardiovascular Institute of the South is here to help. Our physicians and clinical team can help you with the resources you need to succeed. Ask your doctor or nurse how you can receive support today.
To learn more about how CIS can help you reach your New Year goals, schedule an appointment today.
Request an appointment today with a CIS cardiologist.